Worshippers worldwide flocked to church services to celebrate Christmas, including thousands who braved the bone-chilling temperatures in New York last night to wait in line for midnight Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

“This is a very special place,” said NYU Dental School Professor William Maloney.

“It looks beautiful. They decorated it so beautifully.”

The packed house of worship — with New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan presiding — included dignitaries such as Mayor Bloomberg, Gov.-elect Andrew Cuomo and NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly.

Carlos Medeiros, who traveled from Brazil with his son Daniel to see the service, said, “This is the best thing you can do in New York.”

Earlier, Dolan said Mass at Covenant House, and described the Hell’s Kitchen shelter for homeless children and young adults as “Bethlehem in reverse” — providing beds for those who might otherwise find no room at the inn.

“I can’t think of a better place to be on Christmas,” said Dolan, explaining that the shelter’s 300 residents represent the season’s true meaning.

Attendees sang “Silent Night,” “Joy to the World” and other carols.

Aishea Washington, 20, recalled that until a short time ago, she was living in abandoned buildings.

“Through the grace of God, I found this place,” she said. “Christmas isn’t only about gifts; it’s about family and the love of Christ.”

At the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI ushered in the holy day at St. Peter’s Basilica without incident, despite fears following earlier bombings in Rome.